The Upholstery Forum

So after sewing quite a bit of vinyl, and learning a lot over the past several years thanks to Johns videos I'm ready to try my hand at leather. I have had several request for it but I have been a little scared by the price of it. I mainly have been focused on automotive work with a few golf carts and boats tossed into the mix. I feel my skills have improved a lot but I'm hesitant to pull the trigger and let a customer pay for my education. I have two guys wanting me to do motorcycle seats in leather. My thought is to redo the upholstery in my 1955 pickup and go with leather, this way I pay for mistakes I might make and I will have a rolling business card when completed. Problem is I paid a lot for this interior about 7 years ago, its all vinyl, and looks really nice. I know I can make it look better but tearing apart something nice pains me.

A few questions;
1) Do you add sew foam to leather like I do vinyl?
2) Do I need a skiver to lighten up the edges I'm sewing?
3) I use #92 bonded thread , is this good for leather?
4) What type of needles do I use?
5) Does stitch length and thread tension vary much from vinyl?
6) Where is the best place to buy leather?

Any other tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Hey @DEH for the most part working with leather very similar to working with vinyl. One thing to be aware of is that the middle of a leather hide is the strongest part of the hide and should be used for areas that receive more wear.

1. Yes I add sew foam same as with vinyl
2. The only reason you need a shiver in my opinion is if you will be wrapping hard surfaces like a dash. Possibly for a motorcycle seat if your not using any sew foam.
3. 92 bonded poly is what I use on almost everything.
4. You will be fine using your standard universal point needle however you may want to try out some needles with a leather cutting point. I use a SD needle occasionally.
5. Same as vinyl
6. Any reputable upholstery supplier should have good quality automotive leather. If want the best go with Hydes or Relicate. This leather is expensive though.

Hope this helps.

Thank You John!
I'm going to redo my 55 Chevy truck so wish me luck.
I've already been in contact with Hydes and Douglas and yes it is expensive.

yeah it really expensive. I only every use that on projects where budget is not much of a concern.

Cant wait to see pictures!

@DEH ,

I think maybe you are thinking everything is done in leather. If you have the work like that coming to you there should be a seat repair or two that would need some repair for you to practice. The leather is not as forgiving in the sense you cant stretch or steam the stuff like vinyl. I reached out to Hydes dist and never heard back from them, found a source that is good and affordable PM me if you want.